Mansfield 4 Harriers 2
Kidderminster Harriers more than played their part in this six-goal thriller at Field Mill but their first half defensive frailties cost them dear as they still await their first league victory of the campaign.
Kidderminster Harriers more than played their part in this six-goal thriller at Field Mill but their first half defensive frailties cost them dear as they still await their first league victory of the campaign.
Harriers were quickly into their stride against the Stags but, despite controlling possession ,they were unable to carve out clear openings against a well drilled home defence.
Mansfield's first real attack brought them a goal, when Alex Jeannin's crossfield ball was controlled by Mark Stallard, who theatrically made the most of the minimal contact made by defender Michael Bowler to earn his team a penalty.
It was Stallard who accepted the responsibility and his confident penalty chip nestled in the centre of the goal as Adam Bartlett dived to his left. Harriers appeared unfazed and Darryl Knights sent a long range effort narrowly wide in response.
In the 32nd minute, Harriers were undone again when Somner's centre was helped into the area by Jason Lee. Former Harrier Michael Blackwood swooped to slide the ball beyond Bartlett.
Harriers still looked confident on the ball but an amazing howler on the stroke of half time realistically took the game out of reach.
Matt Somner's centre deflected off Luke Jones and then keeper Adam Bartlett was caught in two minds as the ball bounced higher than expected. He succeeded only in fumbling the ball into the path of Mark Stallard, via the crossbar, who tapped the ball into the net.
Harriers set their stall out in the second half with Russell Penn's drive rebounded off the inside of an upright.
Andy Ferrell unleashed a rising drive and Harriers had claims for a penalty waved away as Mansfield sat back on their lead.
Matthew Barnes-Homer gave Harriers hope with a goal in the 69th minute, when Richards burst through only to be hauled down by Alan O'Hare.
Many sensed that the Stags would play the remaining 12 minutes with 10 men but referee Paul Curry brandished only a yellow card.
It was Richards who ensured a frantic finale with a screaming volley from Martin Brittain's corner in the 81th minute. Mansfield substitute Aaron O'Connor made sure of the points, when he combined with Nathan Arnold and Matt Somner to net the Stags fourth goal in time added on, with Harriers players all pushing forward for the equaliser.
Harriers manager Mark Yates said: "For the first 20 minutes I thought we played well, we did not open Mansfield up but I felt we were good value.
"We have given them three goals, Mansfield are not a better side than us."
Mansfield: Gamble, Silk, Moses, O'Hare, Jeannin, Arnold, D'Laryea, Somner, Blackwood, Stallard (O'Connor 78), Lee (Robinson 90).
Subs Not Used: Hurren, Shaw, Herriott.
Kidderminster Harriers: Bartlett, Bignot, Bowler (Barnes–Homer 40), Jones, Creighton, Russell (Brittain 62), Ferrell, Penn, Bennett, Knights (McDermott 68), Richards.
Subs Not Used: Coleman, Riley.
